The iconic shredded artwork by Banksy was created during an auction event.

In October 2018, the anonymous British urban artist Banksy made a remarkable art coup during a spectacular event at Sotheby's. The piece, then known as "Girl With Balloon," was the final highlight of the prestigious evening auction in London, fetching a sale price of over 1,000,000 pounds. However, immediately after the hammer fell, an unexpected event caused an uproar: a siren sounded, and more than half of the painting was shredded by a hidden shredder before being removed by the staff.

"Girl Without Balloon" critiques the art market and capitalism.

This incident led to a global media frenzy, especially since Banksy documented the event on social media, renaming the artwork to "Love Is In The Bin." In 2021, the piece was auctioned again--this time without a functioning shredder--and achieved a record price of over 18 million pounds. Banksy subsequently gave it the new title "Girl Without Balloon." Through his radical "art stunt," Banksy not only questioned the conventions of the art market but also reinterpreted the meaning of his work. The destruction of the originally sentimental motif, a girl with a heart balloon, transformed it into a complex critique of capitalist structures and the art industry. The remaining artwork became a symbol of the power of a single moment to break through conventional boundaries and open new perspectives.

The exhibition of the original Banksy artwork is of vital importance to MUCA.

For MUCA, showcasing the original work is a matter of principle, as only reproductions and imitations circulate otherwise. This provides visitors with a unique opportunity to experience this iconic piece in its original form and to be inspired by its significance as a critical reflection of societal realities. "Girl Without Balloon" invites contemplation not only of the boundaries of art but also of those of society. Originally planned from February 14 to April 13, the exhibition has now been extended for an additional four weeks.

Opening Hours and Tickets

The artwork will be on display until May 11, 2025, from Wednesday to Friday 10 AM to 6 PM, Thursday 10 AM to 8 PM, and Saturday/Sunday 12 PM to 6 PM at the MUCA-Bunker. Tickets are priced at 15 euros (10 euros reduced) and serve as a combo ticket for visiting both the MUCA-Bunker and the Kunst- und Kulturzentrum Kunstlabor 2. All proceeds from the exhibition will go 100% to the in-house foundation, the MUCA Foundation.